TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
6:45 a.m. |
Foundation Golf Tournament (Optional: Additional cost for participation.) Thank you to our golf sponsors! The annual SHFM Foundation Golf Tournament will take place at the Indian Wells Golf Resort. The Clive Clark designed Celebrity Course opened in November 2006 and features spectacular mountain views, undulating fairways, and striking waterfalls, with vibrant floral detail. This par-72 California golf course is unrivaled in beauty and playability. New This Year! The tournament format will be a scramble with a shotgun start. You don’t want to miss your chance to be part of this exciting kickoff event … register to play TODAY! Cost: $260 (Includes boxed lunch, two drink tickets, greens fees and cart fees.) Please note: The course requires all players to wear collared shirts. Denim is prohibited. All players must also adhere to a “soft spikes only” policy.
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8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
San Andreas Jeep Adventure - SOLD OUT! (Optional: Additional cost for participation.)On this exciting 4WD adventure to the private Metate Ranch preserve on the San Andreas Fault, guests will experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system. Extraordinary scenery abounds as the Jeep winds its way through the labyrinth of geological cuts and canyons of the San Andreas Fault Zone. Guests will be entertained by the naturalist guide (driver) with stories about the plants, animals, geology, and history of the California desert. Guests will walk between the steel walls of deep canyons and explore a natural palm oasis where crystal clear water bubbles up from the underground aquifer. This is a great way to discover the fascinating history of the Coachella Valley. Note: Please ensure you dress comfortably in closed-toed shoes - hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are encouraged. This tour is not recommended for individuals with back issues or those who are pregnant. The minimum age for participation is 12 years. All guests must sign liability waivers upon boarding the jeep. $277.50 Per Person
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8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Celebrity Home and Architecture Tour (AM) (Optional: Additional cost for participation.) Since the 1920's, Palm Springs has been the playground for Hollywood's elite. This city and celebrity home tour reveals what went on behind the walls of those estates to see and hear how Palm Springs became the town of choice when Hollywood needed to let its hair down. This driving tour includes "Little Hollywood" and the glamorous Movie Colony, as well as Palm Springs' distinctive landmarks, mid-century designed properties and celebrity visitor haunts. $110.00 Per Person
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11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
Registration & Silent Auction
All Day Registration Refreshment Station After you check in at the SHFM regsitration desk, you can also visit the SHFM Benchmarking table and learn more about the SHFM Industry Standards and Benchmark Comparisons Study, one of the most important studies the Society has completed during the following times:
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1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
Client Liaison, Self-Operator & Integrated Facility Manager Lunch (Open to all Client Liaisons / Self-Operators / Integrated Facility Managers) Join us for a networking lunch designed specifically for this SHFM attendee category! Connect and engage with industry peers while expanding your professional network. |
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
Rising Stars Lunch & Meeting (Open to current Rising Stars only) |
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
Innovation Showcase Exhibitor Set Up |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Supplier Session (Open to all Suppliers) Sponsored by elite|studio e and Vivreau Don’t miss this dynamic supplier-focused session! We’ll share insider strategies on how to:
A senior IAB supplier will guide you through proven ways to leverage SHFM to fuel your growth. Then, hear from a Peer Panel & Q&A as members share their own SHFM journeys, best practices, and real-world insights to help you maximize your membership. Featured Speakers:
Bring your questions and get ready for practical tips, fresh perspectives, and connections that can transform your business! |
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Student / Fellow Kick-Off (For Students and Fellows only) Let’s Get Real: The Importance of Having a NetworkDavid Gaughan, SodexoDuring this session, let’s kick off National Conference with a bang! This will be the first opportunity to meet your fellow student peers and learn more about the benefits to having a strong professional network. |
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Client Liaison & Self-Operator Session (Open to all Client Liaisons / Self-Operators) Sponsored by elite|studio e and Vivreau This engaging session is tailored specifically for Client Liaisons and Self-Operators, offering the opportunity to connect and collaborate! Gain invaluable insights into Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – what's being tracked, effective practices and more. Discover innovative strategies to enhance the guest experience, while being mindful of budget constraints. Explore best practices and other hot topics as you share insights and learn from the expertise of fellow professionals. Session Coordinators: |
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. |
SHFM Fellowship Program Mix + Mingle
Open to current SHFM Foundation Fellowship Program participants and mentors only. |
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
2026 CPC Meeting |
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
New Member First-Time Attendee (NMFTA) Event & Reception
Explore why SHFM is renowned for its friendly embrace and dedication to newcomers and first-time conference participants at this session, reception, and conference kick-off all wrapped into one! Discover the essence of SHFM and its engagement avenues from esteemed organizational leaders and member ambassadors. Engage in lively roundtable discussions, mingle with peers over refreshing cocktails, and glean insider tips on maximizing your conference journey. Forge valuable SHFM connections right from day one. Mark your calendar to be there! |
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
Opening Reception: Retro Flavors! Industry Networking Event & Silent Auction Hosted by Aramark, Compass Group, Guckenheimer and Sodexo Chef Jackets provided by New Chef Fashion, Inc. Servicewares provided by Edward Don & Company Elevate your conference experience with a kickoff that embodies hospitality excellence! Greet colleagues and make new contacts while indulging in an exceptional menu inspired by the Mid-Century modern era. Relish in reimagined vintage dishes that blend innovation with nostalgia, featuring upscale comfort food and eco-conscious concepts. The menu is expertly created by the Culinary Rising Stars from our host corporations. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and express your gratitude to our talented Culinary Leads, Advisors, and Stars, along with the dedicated chef teams, who have passionately curated this year’s exquisite food stations! Be sure to bid on the SHFM Foundation's silent auction benefiting our campaign to educate and interest college students in the immeasurable value of onsite foodservice and hospitality. Interested in donating an item to the Silent Auction benefitting the SHFM Foundation, please complete this form. Prepare to bid often and bid generously! |
TUESDAY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Take advantage of being in Palm Springs and dive into experiences that give you a true taste of the local flavor, including Foundation Golf Tournament, San Andreas Jeep Adventure and Celebrity Home and Architecture Tour (AM or PM) .
